The Perfect Summer Salad
I love a cool and refreshing shrimp salad in the summer and this recipe for Shrimp, Watermelon and Feta Salad screams summer. It’s probably the sweet watermelon–a perennial summer favorite–that does it. Adding shrimp fresh off the grill adds even more summer flavor to this recipe. And the spinach and arugula to up the antioxidant and vitamin content of this dish.
And I love that this shrimp salad recipe is easy to make and no extra heat in the kitchen. It’s a keeper.
What’s the Difference Between Fruits and Vegetables?
Here’s what I know.
Fruits and vegetables both come from plants. But the ones with seeds are FRUIT! That includes those we’re never quite sure about–tomatoes, cucumbers, avocados–they’re all FRUIT.
And watermelon–They have seeds but the USDA treats like a vegetable.
Why? Because watermelon is harvested and cleared out of a field just like other vegetables.
It’s all so confusing so I just call watermelons fregetables! Just like what I call cucumbers, tomatoes, pumpkin, zucchini and avocado. It seems easier that way.
Best advice? Skip questioning if something is a fruit or a vegetable. Focus on eating all the colors of the rainbow and much of your nutritional needs will be met.
What’s in Shrimp, Watermelon and Feta Salad?
In this shrimp salad there’s watermelon and grilled shrimp,with thinly sliced red onion. It’s all mixed together with a light honey-lime vinaigrette and served on a bed of arugula and/or spinach. Oh yum! And a sprinkle of feta cheese just before serving to finish off this perfect summer dish.
It’s a salad so fresh and light yet loaded with protein, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Delicious.
Health Benefits
Watermelon is loaded with lycopene, one of the most powerful antioxidants you can find. It helps prevent cancer, dementia, and heart disease. It keeps you eyes and bones healthy. The list goes on.
How to Tell if a Watermelon is Ripe can be confusing. I usually do my best to look for a cream-colored “belly” when selecting the perfect melon.
Arugula and spinach are rich in vitamin K (builds strong bones), vitamin A (eye health), vitamin C (immune system) and antioxidants (zaps cancer cells),
Red onion also has vitamin C (boosts immune system) and chromium (regulates blood sugar). They’re also loaded with nutrients to fight inflammation, boost HDL production for healthy arteries, and may even prevent gastric ulcers.
Even mint is loaded with health benefits to aid digestion and may even prevent headaches.
How to Make Shrimp, Watermelon and Feta Salad
- Gather all of the ingredients and equipment (measuring spoons & cups, bowls, etc)
- Prep all the ingredients.
- Measure and combine dressing ingredients in a large bowl.
- Add shrimp, onion, and mint to the bowl. Gently mix.
- Next, add watermelon and toss to combine.
- Place the spinach/arugula on a platter or individual serving plate.
- Top greens with shrimp mixture.
- Sprinkle feta and remaining mint on top of the salad
Shrimp, Watermelon, and Feta Salad
Ingredients
Dressing
- 2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3 Tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 1/2 teaspoons honey
- 2 drops hot sauce (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Salad
- 1 pound jumbo shrimp, cooked, peeled and deveined (I grill them)
- 1/4 cup red onion, very thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, finely sliced (divided)
- 4 cups seedless watermelon cubes
- 4 cups arugula/spinach mix
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
Instructions
- COMBINE the olive oil, lime juice, honey, hot sauce, salt and pepper in a large bowl.
- ADD the cooked shrimp, red onion and half of the mint to the bowl and TOSS to combine.
- ADD the watermelon and TOSS gently to combine.
- PLACE spinach and arugula on a serving plate or individual salad plates. TOP the greens with shrimp mixture. Sprinkle with feta and the rest of the mint on top of the salad.
- NOTE: This salad tastes good without the shrimp, too.
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